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Lovie Says He’s Watching Johnny Football

Joe just finished breakfast with Lovie Smith at the NFL Owners Meetings in Orlando. (Poor Lovie, he was talking so much that he didn’t touch his Danish and fresh fruit.)

Lovie said he was heading directly from Orlando to watch Johnny Football’s Pro Day in Texas. Joe asked Lovie about what he takes away from watching a Pro Day, any Pro Day, and Lovie had plenty to say about Johnny specifically.

“I had a chance to watch [Johnny Football] a lot [during my time off last year,] Lovie said. “So you add all that up, to be able to talk to people that you trust that know each player. You use every tool that you can to make an evaluation. Just not that player, all players. What do I want to see? I want to see how he handles a different environment. He’s played in front of big crowds. He hasn’t had to perform on one day like this. This is a big day for him coming up, one of many.”

Lovie went on to day he was very impressed with University of Central Florida quarterback Blake Bortles, whose Pro Day he witnessed last week.

“A guy with a lot of potential, poise, young also, who has a bright future ahead of him. I haven’t seen anything that makes you say, “No,” or something you really don’t like about him,” Lovie said of Bortles.

Regarding what he expects from Johnny Football in the NFL, Lovie wasn’t afraid to call it as he sees it.

“Most outstanding players in college, a lot of them, end up being very good football players in the NFL. Football really is football. Some of the things he’s done, I know he’s not your typical prototype quarterback, drop back into the pocket, but there are a lot of quarterbacks doing very well in the league that aren’t your prototypical quarterback.”

Sometimes you get a vibe from a sit-down with a head coach, and Joe really felt Lovie was genuinely eager to add a quality quarterback in the draft, if the opportunity arises.

Value is the code word for S & L. They know they must be on the edge of the playoffs within 2 years. Picking a QB that may sit for 1-2 years has no value in achieving their goals. They’ll pound defense and find pieces that fit for the offense. Just like Lovie did in Chicago.

I only watched one game of Bortles – I was not that impressed. But one game means nothing, I know. I would be so excited if L&L thought one of these guys was worthy of our 1st rd pick and took him. It would be the dawning of a new era for Bucs fans!

With our mystery up tempo offense, I am warming up to the idea of drafting JF. Not sure the new O suits Glennons style and McCown is maybe good for a year or two. JF Still seems like a gamble, his game might not translate, he could end up hanging at the crib with Mike Williams, but he might bring a fresh competitive edge we have been missing at QB for a very long time.

Based on the type of offense we will be running I bet Johnny Football will be high on our draft board. How you grade players is based on your schemes. If we are running a “Chip Kelly” offense then he would be the perfect fit.

For all the talk about an uptempo offense did anyone hear Lovie this am at the owners meeting. “We plan on being a running football team first that will also throw the ball.” Doesn’t sound too up tempo to me. Better find a couple of starting guards. HOPING Nicks comes back as his former self still may be a dream. The top six six picking above us will make it a very interesting pick for us!

The guy is a great football player and I would be excited if the Bucs drafted him. Anyone who hates on him is either jealous of his wealth or that he pulls like Broadway Joe (young namath, not creepy drunk namath).

@Erick
The reality of his “Wealth” is a myth, his Great Aunt and Uncle control the family money, his father is a GM of a car dealership (not their’s he’s an employee). His Grandfather Bobby Joe, has been indicted numerous times for fraud and other nefarious deeds and has also been connected to the Dixie Mafia. It’s a great story which I’m sure will be made into a made for TV movie by the NFL Network the day he’s drafted.

I agree with Eric and Snook, Manziel thrives under pressure, the guy is a winner. He won’t be just a star, I think he has the potential to be a superstar. The Glazers will be selling tickets, the fan interest will be off the charts and Johnny Football won’t disappoint.

I’m a fan of Joe and usually agree with him with the exception of these QB’s. I don’t doubt Johnny ‘s talent. I just don’t think they will be able to get him to slide and the way he runs around he’ll be out of the league in three years. He doesn’t have Vick’s speed to just run away from guys. He’ll get blown up by NFL players.

Glennon is a leader of men! He dominated a brutal ACC schedule with mediocre surrounding talent. Put Johnny on glennon’s nc st squad and we would have never heard of Johnny football! Glennon turned down sec offers because of his superior intelligence and talent!!

Glennon is a leader of men! He dominated a brutal ACC schedule with mediocre surrounding talent. Put Johnny on glennon’s nc st squad and we would have never heard of Johnny football! Glennon turned down sec offers because of his superior intelligence and talent!!